Bubble type game device



Jan. 11, 1966 A. c. CAPELLE 3,223,639

BUBBLE TYPE GAME DEVICE Filed May 28, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fig./

Arthur C. Capel/e 1N VLNTOR.

Jan. 11, 1966 A. c. CAPELLE 3,228,689

BUBBLE TYPE GAME DEVICE Filed May 28, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arfhur 6. Cape/la INVENTOR.

United States Patent ()fitice Patented Jan. 11, 1966 Filed May 28, 1963, Ser. No. 285,764 16 Claims. ((11. 273-85) The present invention generally relates to game devices and more particularly to a hand-operated game device incorporating a novel principle of operation that may be employed in various types of game devices.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a game device generally in the form of a container having at least some areas thereof transparent and having a colored liquid therein completely filling the interior of the container except for a void space which forms a bubble. The bubble simulates a ball or other movable projectile which is caused to move in relation to the container surface and various targets simulated thereon due to the hand-manipulation of the container thereby enabling various types of games to be played with the game device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device in which pockets or recesse form the target area with the pockets or recesses normally being filled with a colored liquid so that when the air bubble passes thereunder, the colored liquid will be replaced with the air from the bubble thereby changing the color of the target areas engaged or passed under by the projectile or simulated ball. From the foregoing, it will be clear that the present invention has peculiar adaptability for use in a bowling type game wherein the targets are in the form of bowling pin representations orientated in the normal manner with the air bubble simulating a bowling ball which may be moved towards the target area by properly tilting and manipulating the container. Various aspects of the game of bowling may be incorporated into the present invention such as gutter areas or the like for indicating gutter balls and the entire structure is devoid o'f all moving parts thereby rendering the device quite simple to manufacture and relatively inexpensive while yet providing a highly entertaining game device and one which may be adapted for use with various types of games.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the game device of the present invention illustrating the orientation or structure thereof;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the construction of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 33 of FIGURE 1 illustrating the structural features of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a detail sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 4-4 of FIG- URE 1 illustrating further structural details of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a detail sectional view similar to FIG- URE 4 but illustrating a vertical venting tube assembly incorporated therein;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the vertical venting tube assembly incorporated into FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmental sectional view illustrating horizontal vent holes communicated with the pin pockets;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 8-8 of FIGURE 7 illustrating further structural details of this form of the invention;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmental sectional view illustrating various of the pin pockets intercommunicated for enalllling the bubble to obtain strikes, spares, splits and the li e;

FIGURE 10 is a detail sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 1010 of FIGURE 9 illustrating further structural details of this form of the invention; and

FIGURE 11 is a fragmental sectional view illustrating te diagonal vent holes for the pin pockets.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, the numeral 10 generally designates the bubble type game device of the present invention which includes a generally cylindrical container 12 including a lower or bottom portion 14 and a top part or portion 16 which may also be considered bottom and top members. The container 12 is preferably constructed of a transparent plastic material and may be considered a transparent plastic case similar in shape to a ladys compact or powder case. The top and bottom parts 16 and 14 are preferably permanently sealed in order to be air and water tight with there being a void space 18 therein receiving a quantity of clear or colored liquid 20 and an air bubble 22. The liquid is perferably colored for the purpose of enabling easy distinguishment of the air bubble 22 and the liquid 20.

The top member 16 includes a peripheral flange 24 and a partial spherical center portion 26. The center portion 26 includes a thick solid area having a peripheral wall 28 telescopic with and sealingly engaged to an upstanding peripheral wall 30 integral with the bottom wall 32 of the bottom member 14. The undersurface of the central part 26 of the top member 16 forms a playing surface 34 which is above the bubble 22 and the colored liquid 20 and the air 22 being lighter than the liquid 20 rises to the surface of the liquid whereby the ball or air bubble is below the game playing surface rather than above the same as in conventional game devices in which the ball rests on the game surface by virtue of gravity.

The game surface 34 is provided with a plurality of pockets 36 preferably of cylindrical configuration. The pockets or holes 36 are in the game playing surface 34 and are cut or casted therein in a vertical manner with the open ends of the pockets facing downwardly and communicating with the game surface 34. The pockets 36 will be orientated in a particular manner and will be a particular size depending upon the game to be played. The principles incorporated for the successful operation of the present game device may be applied to other games but for the purposes of description, the present game device will be described in conjunction with a game of bowling.

The game device is quite light in that it may weigh only a few ounces and the liquid may be very small in quantity. The device is easy to handle while yet being tricky to operate since it has a reverse action which causes the bubble to move in the direction opposite to the applied tilting of the hand.

The bottom surface of the bottom wall 32 is provided with a recess 38 receiving a background panel 40 which may be in the form of a label having suitable instructions and trademark indicia thereon if desired. The label 40 is constructed of a color to form a suitable background to serve as an image plate for the air bubble 22. Thus, since the air bubble is completely void of colored liquid, when viewed from the top, the air bubble will show the color of the image plate or label 40 thus appearing to form a colored ball in motion as it moves down the alley towards the pockets 36 which designate the bowling pins. Also, the background color label will add to or change the color appearance of the colored liquid being used.

As illustrated, the pockets 36 are orientated in the normal relation of bowling pins and there are also provided pockets 42 representing foul areas or gutter balls together with guide lines 44 indicating the confines of the alley.

A score registering device is also incorporated into the periphery of the game device and this includes an annular disk 46 underlying the flange 24 which has a notch 48 formed in one area thereof for enabling access to. the periphery of the annular disk 46 thereby enabling the same to be rotated. The periphery of the disk 46 is knurled as at 50 to enable rotation thereof. A second annular disk 52 is mounted under the annular disk 46 and is provided with a knurled flange 54 thereon of substantially the same diameter as the disk 46 for reception in a recess 56 formed in the outer surface of the wall 30 as illustrated in FIGURE 3. The disk 46 is provided with indicia 58 thereon designating the frames with there being ten frames, the indicia 1 X 2 X 9 X and 10 XXX. The numerals indicate the frame number or game period, the X designates a strike in that particular frame and so recorded while the designates a spare in that particular frame and so recorded. A split would be recorded immediately. X and are recorded in that particular frame to serve as a reminder when totaling the score in the next progressive frame. Also, the disk 52 is provided with score registering indicia 59 from Zero to three hundred for recording and registering the score of the bowler during the game.

The game device is held in the palm of one hand or th fingers of both hands and by tilting the game device so the pins are on the lowest end, the air bubble will position itself in the starting position as illustrated in FIG- URE 1. Now, by keeping the left and right sides of the game level and gradually tilting the game device so that the bowlers end of the alley is lower than the pin end,

the bubble will move towards the pin. The pins that are hit by the air bubble will change color inasmuch as the air in the bubble replaces the liquid of the pin or pocket as it passes thereunder. Thus, if the liquid is blue, the tops of the pins that were not hit will remain blue. However, those pins which arehit will look like jewels, shiny plastic, in the otherwise surrounding blue area. The remainder of the bubble continues toward the end of the alley and splatters against the back and rises upwardly into the ball return trough 60 and remains there until the bowler tilts his or her end of the alley upward. The bubble is returned to the starting position by way of the bubble return trough 60 for the second ball or bubble to try to hit the remainder of the colored pins which are standing. If he succeeds, the bubble will then have replaced its volume of air with an equal volume of liquid that had filled the pins before the game started. The pins are not reset automatically but may be easily reset by simply tilting the game over 180 then back and ready for the next frame. Of course, during this period, the score should'be registered on the score registering device.

Thefoul line represents the gutter and registers a foul when either line has been crossed by the change in color of the foul pockets.

It will be understood that the score keeping device is optional but does provide a ready means for keeping a score with the finger recesses enabling access to the rotatable disk.

. The partially spherical central portion 26 is in the form of a lens having a radius of approximately. seven inches and provides a three-dimensional elfect to the viewing area. The score recording disk or collar maybe turned with fingertip ease but yet the plastic materialwill hold the score keeping devices in firm position during use of the device. Any suitable cement may be used for securing the top and bottom parts of the container together. The bubble return trough 60 provides a deep trough directly behind the pins to actually simulate the pitarea behind the pins of a bowling alley. While a real bowling ball falls downwardly as it leaves the end of the alley,

the trough allows the bubble to rise above the end of 'the alley to avoid any possible undue scoring whereby the trough serves to actually hold the bubble captive and if the game is tilted correctly, it returns the bubble back to the starting position. Of course, after the second bubble has been projected, the game should be turned over 180 during which time the captive air in the pinpockets will immediately be released allowing the liquid to return into said pockets and ready for the next bubble. The trough 60 diminshes towards the ends thereof for bringing the bubble gently back to the level of the game surface 34 with this inclination being illustrated in- FIG- URE 3.

Larger pockets usually have a suflicient area Within the pockets which provides fast transformation of air to liquid or vice versa. However, when various smaller games demand the use of relatively smaller pockets, the transfer process either slows or ceases thus necessitating some means of venting said pockets to speed up said transfer thereby producing faster pin action and a more realistic game.

FIGURES 5 and 6 illustrate a venting plate in the form of a triangular plate 62 having a plurality of tubular pins or projections 64 extending upwardly therefrom and communicated therewith. The playing surface is provided with a recess 66 receiving the plate 62. Thus, the bottom surface of the plate 62 is flush with the game surface with enough room left for an air distribution space 68. The plate 62 and the tubes 64 are of one piece of plastic and preferably cemented in place and the tubes 64 are centered within the pin pockets 36 and a larger hole 69 is placed between pins 1 and 3 as this is the normal striking position the ball has to take to effect a strike. Thus, a strike may be immediately registered due to the rapid venting. If the bubble passes under any one of the pins 2-10, they will be drained of the liquid just as illustrated in FIGURES 14 but the drainage will occur faster because the pockets are vented. For example, if the air bubble 22 passes under vent tube 64 corresponding to pin 10, air will pass up the tube forcing the liquid ahead or above it and then out through the strike hole 69 and into the liquid chamber. The air now occupies the rounded top portion of the pocket designating pin 1 thus registering a felled pin. The circuit path of the air and liquid was completed with the only space void of liquid being in the whoie bubble or in the divided bubble as is the case when pins are felled. When the bubble approaches strike hole 69, the bubble is immediately sucked up into this hole because of the high level and large space of movable liquid in the space 68 and moves continually upwardly seeking the highest immovable level which is at the top of all of the pin pockets 1 through 10. The liquid meanwhile escapes through all of the vent tubes 64 and back into the liquid chamber below the plate 66 thus completing the circuit path which now places all the air divided ten times in the tops of all of the pin pockets. The liquid occupies all other available space so that the space may be readily discernible.

Horizontal vent holes 70 interconnect the pockets 36 in the form illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8 for providing fast venting action since this communicates the pockets with the return trough 60.

FIGURE 11 has a diagonal vent hole 72 communicating with the pockets 36 which facilitate venting for venting the pockets from near the top thereof into the liquid chamber for providing faster action. This works better if the bubble is not large enough to cover the pocket and the vent opening therefor in which event the transfer 'still would not take place any faster. FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate the pin pockets closer together with pocket 1 draining into pocket 2 as illustrated by virtue of horizontal effecting real bowling results as in felled pin patterns.

Other various types of venting facilities may be employed for enabling the air to be more rapidly removed from the pockets and replaced by the liquid. Furthermore, because the liquid to air transfer in the tops of the pin pockets takes place anyway, slots 74 are out where needed thus simply steering the bubble straight on course or purpose fully curved ofi course also splitting same to follow several paths which will in turn drain the liquid from those desired pin pockets, effecting or trying to effect the same results which would occur in real bowling whereby the ball strikes a given pin, or a group of pins, said pins hit then fall against adjacent pins felling same which subsequently effects for instance, a strike. The ball mean- While, because of its weight and speed continues, undeviated from its straight course, directly toward and into the alley pit. This type of action is impossible with this game (without incorporating special ways and means as does slots 74 and/or vent plate 62 which more or less effect this action) because each and every pin pocket has to be hit by the whole or partial air in the bubble to show they have been hit by the liquid to air transfer.

The various communications provided between the pin pockets enable various pin combinations to be felled to form strikes, spare and any other pattern of pins being knocked over. As in real bowling, the striking of pins 1 and 3 doesnt always effect a strike and due to the particular orientation, of the pin pockets, it may be that all of the air will not be engaged therewith thereby resulting in some of the pins remaining standing.

The casing or container may be circular or cylindrical as shown or any other desired shape or size and of any material as long as the top is transparent. The flat nature of the game surface 34 (see FIGURE 3) provides the fastest but least controlled bubble action with a given tilting action over any other surface. However, the game surface may be altered to any other suitable configuration having variable radii such as at 71 in FIGURE 8, or may be partly fiat and progressing into an upward flat or curved surface. Thus, by varying the condition of the playing surface, the accuracy required and velocity of the air bubble will be varied. The upper surface of the bottom section when combined with surface 71 in FIGURE 8 permits the bubble to travel in a direction only the distance to the highest point on the curve of that radius where it will stop. As the game device is tilted slightly further in the same direction, a still higher level on the curve of the radius is available and the bubble now moves to this new position. The surface 71 can be used with other games which demand such a surface to enable the operator to maneuver the bubble in, out and around difficult pocket arrangements while trying for a high score pocket achievement or the like. With a fixed tilt, the larger the radius, the further the bubble will travel in that direction. The smaller the radius the shorter the distance the bubble will travel. Also note that if the wrist of a person operating the fame was a pivot common to the pivot point of the radius of the game surface, like two separate circles having identical pivot points and like radii superimposed on one another, the bubble would move only as far as the game itself was moved. In other words, the larger the ratio of the game radius to that of the radius of the wrist motion radius the greater the distance the bubble will travel with a fixed given tilt.

Inasmuch as the game device will be handled by children as well as grownups, the liquid is noninjurious to a persons health and may include an additive for coloring purposes. A suitable liquid is one such as alcohol which has about one-third the surface tension of water and when used with this game device reduces the bubble or liquid drag on the game surface and also speeds the bubble action. Pure ethanol alcohol, water and food coloring mixed into a solution could be used in this game and although the alcohol may be intoxicating if taken internally, and also inflammable to some degree, there is less than an ounce of the liquid used thus rendering the liquid sub- 6 stantially harmless. Further, a solution of water, water softener and food coloring may also be used with the water softener reducing the surface tension to enable faster action. Any suitable type of liquid may be employed.

The game surface may have a portion thereof, such as the pin pocket area painted, etched or otherwise obsoured to form a background, other than liquid, so that the pin pockets can be readily discerned when filled with liquid. When assembled, the game device is squeezed which reduces the volume thus retaining the bubble in spherical form during its motion.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A game device comprising a container having a thin but enlarged hollow area sealed in a fluid-tight manner and including a quantity of liquid therein and an air bubble disposed at the top surface of the liquid when the container is in upright position, said container including a transparent top for enabling observation of the liquid and air bubble, said container including a target area incorporated therein whereby the air bubble may be moved towards the target area when tilted in a particular manner thereby providing a target-type of game device, said target area including at least one pocket extending upwardly from the downwardly facing surface defining the area receiving the liquid and bubble whereby liquid contained in the pocket will be drained therefrom when the air bubble comes into communication with the bottom surface thereof with the air replacing the liquid, said target area also including additional pockets, said pockets including a centrally disposed vent tube forming a passage for flow from the pockets at a rapid rate.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein certain of said pockets are intercommunicated thereby enabling the liquid to be vented from; the intercommunicated pockets when any one of the pockets is registered with the air bubble.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the exterior of the container is provided with a rotatable disk assembly having numerical indicia thereon for keeping score of the game device.

4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said container is provided with a transparent top and a transparent bottom, a label attached to the bottom forming an underlying color for the liquid for enabling the air bubble to be readily observed.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said annular disks represent bowling frames and scores and said pockets represent the conventional positioning of bowling pins.

6. A game device comprising a fluid-tight container including a void space containing liquid and a gaseous bubble motivated by tilting the container, said container including a planar top surface under which the bubble moves, said top surface being continuous circumferentially of and transversely of said container whereby the bubble may move in any direction, said top surface including a pocket along the periphery of the planar top surface communicating with the void space, and transverse pockets extending along the top surface in communication with said pocket along the periphery, whereby one fluid may transfer in relation to the other.

7. The combination of claim 6wherein said liquid is distinguishably colored for easy detection of fluid transfer.

8. The combination of claim 6 wherein said pocket includes a centered vent tube to provide rapid gas and liquid transfer.

9. The combination of claim 6 wherein said pocket includes a top vent to prevent separate or simultaneous transfer of liquid and gas,

10. The combination of claim 6 wherein said container includes a surface underlying said liquid, said surface hav: ing a distinguishable col-or enabling the gaseous bubble to be easily observed. i

11. The combination of claim \6-wherein said void is filled under pressure thus retaining the bubble in substantially spherical shape. 12. An amusement device comprising a container having a relatively thin void space and including a substantially planarsurface forming the top of the void space, a liquid disposed within said void space, a gaseous'bubble disposed in the void-space, said liquid and gaseous bubble being distinguishable, said container having a transparent top to enable observation of the liquid and bubble, the portion of the container defining the top surface of the void space having at least one pocket substantially perpendicular to the planar top surfacejoommunicating with the top surface and normally receiving liquid therein, said gaseous bubble haying a specific gravity less than the liquid whereby it will flow to the upper portiQn 0f the void space whereby communication of the bubble with the pocket when the pocket is disposed in a-position above a substantial portion of the remainder of the.void space will drain liquid from the pocket and fill the pocket with a portion of the gaseous bubble, thereby changing the appearance characteristics'of the pocket.

13. The structure as defined in claim 12 wherein said top surface defining the void space includes a groove of sufiicient total volume to receive the volume of the bubble, said groove at least partially encircling the pocket and communicating with the void space for normally receiv ing liquid b ut completely receiving the bubble ,whenthe bubble is communicated 'therewith. p 1 I p 14. The structure as defined in clai1n13 wherein the top surface defining the void space includes.a plurality of pockets with certain of the pockets being interconnected 0 whereby liquid will be displa ce d;f-rom the interconnected pockets when the bubble communicates with anyone of the interconnected pockets.

RICHARD '0. r1 

6. A GAME DEVICE COMPRISING A FLUID-TIGHT CONTAINER INCLUDING A VOID SPACE CONTAINING LIQUID AND A GASEOUS BUBBLE MOTIVATED BY TILTING THE CONTAINER, SAID CONTAINER INCLUDING A PLANAR TOP SURFACE UNDER WHICH THE BUBBLE MOVES, SAID TOP SURFACE BEING CONTINUOUS CIRCUMFERENTIALLY OF AND TRANSVERSELY OF SAID CONTAINER WHEREBY THE BUBBLE MAY MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION, SAID TOP SURFACE INCLUDING A POCKET ALONG THE PERIPHERY OF THE PLANAR TOP SURFACE COMMUNICATING WITH THE VOID SPACE, AND TRANSVERSE POCKETS EXTENDING ALONG THE SURFACE IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID POCKET ALONG THE PERIPHERY, WHEREBY ONE FLUID MAY TRANSFER IN RELATION TO THE OTHER. 